Systems and methods for cable loss measurement between indoor and outdoor units

ABSTRACT

A very small aperture terminal (VSAT) installation tool is provided having the ability to measure cable loss along an interfacility link (IFL) between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of the VSAT. Radio frequency (RF) signals can be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, where the RF signals are intercepted along the IFL prior to reaching the outdoor unit, and the output power is determined. The determined output power is compared to an expected output power at the indoor unit. The delta between the determined output power and the expected output power can be used to adjust the power of the indoor unit such that the outdoor unit can operate without reaching its compression point.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to satellite networks. Moreparticularly, some embodiments of the present disclosure are directedtoward systems and methods for measuring cable loss on a link between anindoor unit and an outdoor unit.

BACKGROUND

Modern satellite communication systems provide a robust and reliableinfrastructure to distribute voice, data, and video signals for theglobal exchange and broadcasting of information. These satellitecommunication systems have emerged as a viable option to terrestrialcommunication systems for carrying data traffic such as Internettraffic. A typical satellite Internet system comprises subscriberterminals, a satellite, a ground station, and connectivity to theInternet. Communication in such a system occurs along two links: 1) anuplink (or inroute) from a subscriber terminal to the satellite to theground station to the gateway to the internet; and 2) a downlink (oroutroute) from the internet to the gateway to the ground station to thesatellite to the subscriber terminal.

Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) are commonly used as subscriberterminals for transmitting and receiving wireless signals on phasemodulated carriers in satellite communications systems. On thetransmission (inroute) side, a VSAT includes an indoor unit (IDU) formodulating a signal with information, an example of which may be asatellite Internet modem which can be connected to a customer's computerequipment. The VSAT may also include an outdoor unit (ODU) made up of ablock upconverter (BUC) for upconverting the frequency band of thesignal (e.g., from the L band to a Ka, C, or Ku band), and a parabolicdish antenna for focusing and transmitting the upconverted signal to asatellite. Moreover, the ODU can include low noise block (LNB)converters that work in conjunction with the BUC. The LNB convertersmake up the receive portion of the radio equipment, and can be used todown-convert received signals (which are high frequency signals in theKa, C, or Ku band) to the L band.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are provided in various embodiments for measuringthe cable loss along the connection between the IDU and ODU of a VSATduring, e.g., an install process. In accordance with one embodiment, amethod comprises detecting output power from a first unit over acommunications link at a termination point of the communications link.The method further comprises comparing the output power from the firstunit at the termination point of the communications link to an expectedoutput power from the first unit. Additionally still, the methodcomprises adjusting a power level of the first unit such that a secondunit connected to the first unit at the termination point of thecommunications link operates below the second unit's saturation level.

In accordance with another embodiment, a power detector comprises afilter for substantially isolating radio frequency (RF) signalstransmitted between a satellite indoor unit and a satellite outdoorunit. The power detector may further comprise a RF detector configuredto detect the RF signals. Further still, the power detector may comprisea microcontroller which includes an analog to digital converter (ADC)module for converting the RF signals into voltage data, for themicrocontroller storing the voltage data and transmitting the voltagedata to the satellite indoor unit for adjustment of the satellite indoorunit output power to avoid compression at the satellite outdoor unit.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a device, such as aninstallation tool may comprise first and second interfaces across whicha communications link is connected. The device may further comprise apower detector for measuring power loss along the communications link,as well as a microcontroller for storing data regarding the measuredpower loss. The device may further include a third interface throughwhich the data regarding the measured power loss is transmitted to amodem transmitting across the communications link.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with various embodiments. The summary is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claimsattached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosedtechnology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader'sunderstanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be consideredlimiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should benoted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are notnecessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-satellite data transmission systemin which embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may beimplemented.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example VSAT which can beinstalled using embodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is an operational flow chart illustrating example processesperformed for the measurement of cable loss in accordance with variousembodiments of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating an example antenna pointing toolin accordance with various embodiments of the technology disclosedherein.

FIG. 4B is an operational flow diagram illustrating an exemplary methodof cable loss measurement in accordance with embodiments of thetechnology disclosed herein.

FIG. 4C is a block diagram illustrating an example power detectorutilized in the antenna pointing tool of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computing module that may be used inimplementing features of embodiments the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example chip set that can be utilized inimplementing architectures and methods for cable loss measurement inaccordance with embodiments the technology disclosed herein.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that theinvention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and thatthe disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and theequivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein providemechanisms for measuring the cable loss between an IDU and ODU across aplurality of frequencies. This cable loss measurement allows the IDU tobe aware of the power that is reaching the ODU, thereby allowing the IDUto set the power reaching the BUC at a level that avoids the BUC fromgoing into a saturation state. Such cable loss measurements inaccordance with various embodiments can be accomplished by utilizing aBUC or transceiver install tool or antenna pointing tool having anintegrated power detector for estimating cable loss. It should be notedthat various embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to any VSATterminal install without the need for any specialized BUC or integratedtransceivers, or any expensive power meters. Moreover, variousembodiments are applicable to any installation scenario or context thatinvolves some indoor radio unit and outdoor radio unit (or simply, radiounits located remotely from each other) that are connected via cable orother lossy link.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example satellite network 10 in which elementsinvolved in satellite communications/traffic are described. Satellitenetwork 10 in this example can include multiple satellites 12 a and 12b, remote terminals 14 a-14 f, radio frequency (RF) terminals 16 a and16 b, multiple inroute group managers (IGMs) 18 a, 18 b, . . . 18 n,satellite gateway (SGW) 19, and IP gateways (IPGWs) 20. The satellitenetwork may be a shared access broadband network. Other types of sharedaccess networks may include, for example, wireless networks such as4^(th) Generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) and WiMAX networks, whichmay include terminals other than VSATs, such as cellular and WiFiequipped devices.

Feeder links may carry data between RF terminals 16 a and 16 b andsatellites 12 a and 12 b, and may include: forward uplinks 23 a and 27 afor transmitting data from RF terminals 16 a and 16 b to satellites 12 aand 12 b, respectively; and return downlinks 25 a and 29 a fortransmitting data from satellites 12 a and 12 b, respectively, to RFterminals 16 a and 16 b. User links may carry data between satellites 12a and 12 b and remote terminals 14 a-14 f, and may include: returnuplinks 25 b and 29 b for transmitting data from remote terminals 14a-14 f to satellites 12 a and 12 b, respectively; and forward downlinks23 b and 27 b for transmitting data from satellites 12 a and 12 b,respectively, to remote terminals 14 a-14 f. Forward uplinks 23 a, 27 aand forward downlinks 23 b, 27 b may form an outroute, and returnuplinks 25 b, 29 b and return downlinks 25 a, 29 a may form an inroute.SGW 19 may include high capacity earth stations with connectivity toground telecommunications infrastructure. SGW 19 may be communicativelyconnected to RF terminals 16 a and 16 b. RF terminals 16 a and 16 b maybe the physical equipment responsible for sending and receiving signalsto and from satellites 12 a and 12 b, respectively, and may provide airinterfaces for SGW 19/IPGWs 20.

Satellites 12 a and 12 b may be any suitable communications satellites.For example, satellites 12 a and 12 b may be bent-pipe designgeostationary satellites, which can accommodate innovations andvariations in transmission parameters, operating in the Ka-band,Ku-band, or C-band. Satellites 12 a and 12 b may use one or more spotbeams as well as frequency and polarization reuse to maximize the totalcapacity of satellite network 10. Signals passing through satellites 12a and/or 12 b in the forward direction may be based on the DVB-S2standard (ETSI EN 302 307) using signal constellations up to andincluding at least 32-APSK. The signals intended to pass throughsatellites 12 a and 12 b in the return direction (from terminals 14 a-14f) may be based on the Internet Protocol over Satellite (IPoS) standard(ETSI TS 102 354). Other suitable signal types may also be used ineither direction, including, for example higher data rate variations ofDVB-S2.

IPGWs 20 may be an ingress portion of a local network. IP traffic,including TCP traffic, from the internet may enter an SGW 19 throughIPGWs 20. IPGWs 20 may each include a spoofer, which may acknowledge IPtraffic, including TCP traffic sent to SGW 19. Moreover, SGW 19 may beconnected to an internet through IPGWs 20. IP traffic, including TCPtraffic, from the internet may enter SGW 19 through IPGWs 20. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, multiple IPGWs may be connected to a single IGM.The bandwidth of RF terminals 16 a and 16 b can be shared amongst IPGWs20. At each of IPGWs 20, real-time (RT) and NRT traffic flows may beclassified into different priorities. These traffic flows may beprocessed and multiplexed before being forwarded to priority queues atSGW 19. RT traffic may go directly to an RT priority queue or SGW 19,while NRT traffic flows may be serviced based on the respective priorityand volume. Data may be further packed into DVB-S2 code blocks andstored in a code block buffer before transmission.

Data from the internet intended for remote terminals 14 a-14 f (e.g.,VSATs) may be in the form of IP packets, including TCP packets and UDPpackets, or any other suitable IP packets, and may enter SGW 19 at anyone of IPGWs 20, where the respective spoofer may send an acknowledgmentback to the sender of the IP packets. The IP packets may be processedand multiplexed by SGW 19 along with IP packets from other IPGWs, wherethe IPGWs may or may not have the same service capabilities and relativepriorities. The IP packets may then be transmitted to satellites 12 aand 12 b on forward uplinks 23 a and 27 a using the air interfacesprovided by RF terminals 16 a and 16 b. Satellites 12 a and 12 b maythen transmit the IP packets to the VSATs using forward downlinks 23 band 27 b. Similarly, IP packets may enter the network via the VSATs, beprocessed by the VSATs, and transmitted to satellites 12 a and 12 b onreturn uplinks 25 b and 29 b. Satellites 12 a and 12 b may then sendthese inroute IP packets to the SGW 19/IPGWs 20 using return downlinks25 a and 29 a.

Each of remote terminals 14 a-14 f may connect to the Internet throughsatellites 12 a and 12 b and IPGWs 20/SGW 19. For example, remoteterminal 14 a may be used at a residence or place of business to providea user with access to the Internet. VSATs or Mobile Satellite Terminals(MSTs), as previously described, may be used by end users to access thesatellite network, and may include a remote satellite dish antenna forreceiving RF signals from and transmitting RF signals to satellite 12 a,as well as a satellite modem and other equipment for managing thesending and receiving of data. They may also include one or more remotehosts, which may be computer systems or other electronic devices capableof network communications at a site.

One or more IGMs can be implemented (e.g., IGM 18). IGM 18 may be abandwidth controller running bandwidth allocation algorithms, e.g.,bandwidth allocation module 22. Thus, IGM 18 may manage bandwidth of theremote terminals 14 a-14 f in the form of inroute groups (IGs), based inpart on bandwidth demand requests from the remote terminals 14 a-14 f.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example VSAT 30 that may beinstalled utilizing an installation tool/antenna pointing deviceconfigured in accordance with embodiments of the technology disclosedherein. As illustrated, VSAT 30 comprises an IDU 32 and an ODU 38. ODU38 includes a block up converter (BUC) 40, orthomode transducer (OMT)42, a low-noise block (LNB) downconverter 46, and antenna dish 44. BUC40 may be mounted on dish 44 and is used in the transmission ofsatellite inroute signals by frequency upconverting a signal receivedfrom transmit block 36 of IDU 32. The upconverted signal may be sentthrough a horn to dish 44, which focuses the signal into a narrow beamfor transmission.

LNB 46 may be mounted on dish 44 and is configured to receive theoutroute signal collected by dish 44, amplify it, and down-convert theband of received frequencies. The down-converted signal is thentransmitted to IDU 32 for processing. OMT 42 may orthogonally polarizethe receive and transmit signals, thereby preventing interference andprotecting LNB 46 from burnout by the power of the output signalgenerated by BUC 40. In various implementations, dish 44 may be anysmall aperture parabolic antenna design configured to receive andtransmit electromagnetic signals to and from one or more satellites.

In various embodiments, IDU 32 may be a set-top box or satellite modemincluding a receive block 34 and a transmit block 36. Receive block 34receives down-converted outroute signals from LNB 46 via a receive cable(e.g., coaxial cable), and may perform functions such as signaldecryption and decoding to extract information (e.g., data, voice,video) from the received signals. The extracted information may then beused by a user of VSAT 30 (e.g., for Internet or Satellite TV).

Transmit block 36 may receive information from a user's equipment (notshown) or from the set-top box itself, and it may modulate a referencesignal in accordance with this information to produce a modulatedinformation signal. The modulated information signal may then betransmitted to ODU 38 over a transmit cable (e.g., a coaxial cable) forupconversion by BUC 40 and transmission by dish 44. The transmittedsignal may carry any suitable information, such as, for example, data,voice, and video information. In one embodiment, transmit block 36 maysupply ODU 38 with a DC power signal, a carrier on/off signal, or both.Either or both of these signals may be, in accordance with anotherembodiment, multiplexed with the modulated information signal andtransferred to ODU 38 as a single signal via a single cable.

During installation of a VSAT, the antenna should be properly pointed tothe appropriate satellite so that it can communicate with the satellitein accordance with its full capacity. For example, when using a narrowKa band, the antenna should be (accurately) aimed at the satellite toensure no more than, e.g., 0.2 dB loss of reception and 0.45 dB loss oftransmission.

Conventional installation methods that involve 2-way satellite dishantennae often rely on the use of an antenna pointing device or toolcapable of providing signal quality factor or audio tone feedback, whichdo not allow for cable loss measurements. As such, an installer mustoften rely on trial and error in order to appropriately install a VSATwith respect to setting the power output of the IDU.

In particular, a typical VSAT installation involves installing an IDU,an interfacility link (IFL) cable, and an ODU or outdoor equipment.Currently, installation can be performed using an antenna pointing toolwhich indicates the signal quality factor when a satellite dish antennais adjusted in order to point the satellite dish antenna properly. Oncereceive pointing is completed, the installer must estimate the cableloss for the transmit (coaxial) cable that connects an IDU (modem) tothe ODU so that the power transmitted by the IDU does not saturate theBUC.

Cable loss is a consideration during installation due to power loss thatexists between the IDU and ODU along the IFL cable. That is, and asdescribed above, saturation at the BUC should be avoided, wheresaturation refers to the point at which an amplifier can no longerdeliver more power despite input levels being increased. Amplifiers areoften rated at their 1 dB compression point, the point at which outputpower becomes non-linear in relation to the input level. Overdriving anamplifier or trying to extract greater than the rated power causes theamplifier to go into compression, which consequently and undesirably,results in signal distortion.

Thus, to avoid compression/saturation, it is preferable to measure thepower being transmitted to the BUC so as to avoid a situation where theBUC reaches its compression point. That is, the power from the IDUshould be set below the compression point at the BUC so that the BUC canoperate in the linear portion of its input/output characteristics. Inorder to set this power properly, the cable loss along the IFL cablebetween the IDU and ODU should be considered. Power loss caused by theIFL cable is currently estimated by an installer by performing certaincalculations based on the length of the IFL cable. Such a loss estimateis made worse if the installer merely guesses at the IFL cable length,e.g., if a VSAT installation is being performed with existing,previously-installed cable. Thus, when using conventional installationmethods, the IFL cable length and estimated cable loss is uncertaincausing an inaccurate prediction of transmit power reaching the outdoorequipment. With the inaccuracy in the power loss estimation through theIFL cable, the IDU cannot determine the transmit power needed toaccurately avoid compression in the BUC portion of the ODU.

In accordance with conventional installation methods, installers rely ontrial and error to set the power of indoor unit until a link to thesatellite is established. For example, the installer may start at a lowpower level based on the aforementioned IFL cable length and estimatedpower loss, and incrementally increase transmit power in 1 dBincrements. This can be a very time-consuming and inefficient process.Once a link is established, a closed loop power control system thatmonitors power control errors for data transmissions can be used tostabilize the system.

To avoid the need for installers to make adjustments to the IDU modemoutput power using trial and error and/or guessing at the cable lossrealized along the IFL cable, a power detector circuit can be added toan antenna pointing tool for accurately predicting the cable loss acrossfrequencies in accordance with various embodiments of the technologydisclosed herein. FIG. 3 illustrates example operations performed formeasuring cable loss in accordance with various embodiments. Atoperation 50, the output power is detected from a first unit, e.g., anIDU, over a communications link, e.g., an IFL cable, at a terminationpoint of the communications link, e.g., at the ODU and IFL cableconnection point. At operation 52, the output power from the first unitat the termination point of the communications link is compared to anexpected output power from the first unit. As will be discussed ingreater detail below, the known/expected power output from an IDU isknown and can be used to determine the cable loss over the IFL cable. Atoperation 56, the power level of the first unit is adjusted such that asecond unit, e.g., the ODU (in particular the BUC portion of the ODU),connected to the first unit at the termination point of thecommunications link operates below its saturation level, as discussedabove.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a block diagram of an example antennapointing tool 60 capable of performing cable loss measurements inaddition to enable pointing of a dish antenna, and a correspondingoperational flow chart illustrating example processes performed byantenna pointing tool 60 to determine loss in the connection between thesatellite IDU and ODU. Antenna pointing tool 60 may be a two-way digitalsatellite equipment control (DiSEqC) antenna pointing tool (DAPT).DiSEqC refers to a communication protocol for use between a satellitereceiver (e.g., IDU/modem) and a dish antenna of an ODU, which allowsthe DAPT to be “inserted” in-line with the IFL cable between the IDU andODU for antenna pointing and cable loss measurement.

Antenna pointing tool 60 may further include a DC/DC switcher orconverter 72 which converts voltage levels to provide power to antennapointing tool 60 and microcontroller for controlling one or more aspectsof the various functionalities of antenna pointing tool 60. It should benoted that antenna point tool 60 may include one or more additionalelements or modules, e.g., a display, input mechanisms such as buttons,a buffer, voltage regulator, audio driver, etc. (not shown) that can beutilized in effectuating the antenna pointing operations. In operation,a user (e.g., an installer) can connect antenna pointing tool 60 betweenthe IDU (e.g., IDU 32 of FIG. 2) and the ODU (e.g., ODU 38 of FIG. 2)via the IFL cable(s) by way of an RX IFL module or interface 62 and anLNB IFL module or interface 64. In particular, antenna pointing tool 60can be inserted at the point where the IFL cable originating from theIDU would connect to the ODU (i.e., after the signals from the IDUtraverse the IFL cable to the ODU). The user may access a local userinterface (LUI) by connecting, e.g., a laptop computer, to the IDU. TheLUI allows the user to enter installation parameters such as thelatitude and longitude of the dish antenna site and the name of thesatellite to which the dish antenna is to be pointed. The dish antennacan then be pointed in the general direction of the satellite to acquirethe satellite signal. When the demodulator of the IDU locks onto thesatellite beacon signal, antenna pointing tool can display the signalquality factor of the received SNR pointing signal as a numerical valuethat can be used to find the peak signal level. Once the satellite islocated, pointing of the dish antenna can be fine-tuned until the signallevel peaks.

Once the antenna pointing portion of the installation process iscompleted, antenna pointing tool 60, which in accordance with variousembodiments includes an integrated power detector, may be used in acable loss measurement mode to determine power loss between the IDU andODU. In particular, antenna pointing tool 60 can be switched to a cablemeasuring/cable loss estimation mode. While in this mode, and asillustrated in FIG. 4B at operation 80, the IDU/modem can transmit RFsignals over a communications link (e.g., IFL cable) connecting an IDUand ODU which are received at antenna pointing tool 60 via RX IFL module62. For example, the IDU can transmit low power continuous wave tones atdifferent frequencies in order to cover, e.g., the L band frequencyrange over which the modem is designed to operate. At operation 82, anoutput power of the IDU is detected. In particular, the output power ofthe IDU/modem can be detected at antenna pointing tool 60 via a powerdetector 66. At operation 84, the detected output power is converted tovoltage data and digitized, e.g., with an analog to digital converter(ADC). At operation 86, the digitized voltage data is provided to theIDU, i.e., using the aforementioned DISEqC protocol via a DISEqCinterface 70, to be used to adjust the power of the IDU.

At the IDU/modem, the detected output power at the end of the IFL (fromthe IDU/modem) can be compared with a known output power level at theIDU/modem transmit port. It should be noted that the installer can inputcertain information identifying the type/model of BUC being utilized inthe installation in order to ascertain the “expected” output power levelof the IDU/modem. The difference between the detected output power andthe known/expected output power level is the cable loss attributable tothe IFL cable, i.e., the RF signal power loss traveling between theIDU/modem and the satellite dish. This cable loss information can thenbe displayed on the IDU/modem LUI as well as utilized by the IDU toautomatically estimate the transmit power setting needed at theIDU/modem in order to avoid compression/saturation at the ODU.

For example, a BUC of an ODU may be specified to output, e.g., 2 W (33dBm at 1 dB compression), where the gain of the BUC is, e.g., 56 dB. Themaximum power output of the IDU/modem can be calculated by subtractingthe gain from the specified output and adding the cable loss. Utilizingantenna pointing tool 60, the cable loss can be determined as describedherein. For example, if the cable loss is determined to be, e.g., 15 dB,the maximum power of the IDU/modem can be set to −8 dBm (33 dBm-56 DB+15dB). It should be noted that the maximum power (also referred to asminimum attenuation) operating point can be a function of transmitfrequency and temperature of the IDU/modem (each of which may becompensated for). Moreover, further compensation or consideration may begiven regarding an initial ranging attenuation (i.e., adjusting thetransmission power of initial ranging burst transmission), where an IGMmay broadcast an initial ranging attenuation for each IG.

It should be noted that cable loss information may also be sent to aNetwork Management Center for logging. That is, the NMC can track howmuch loss occurs on the IFL cable for different terminals. Based onexpected output power of the IDU, cable loss can be determined andmonitored to ensure it remains within an acceptable range.

FIG. 4C illustrates a more detailed block diagram illustrating variouselements of power detector 66 that can be implemented in an antennapoint tool in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 4C illustrates afilter 63, such as a high pass filter (HPF) that can be utilized toperform filtering of lower frequency signals, such as the DISEqCcommunications to ensure that the output power detected is solely thatassociated with the RF signals output from the IDU/modem. Additionally,and as alluded to above, the power detector can detect the RF signal,convert the RF signal to a voltage and digitize the voltage (via anADC), which can then be stored within microcontroller 69. RF switch 67may be used to route the RF signals on to RF detector 65 whenwarranted/depending on the mode of operation of antenna pointing tool60.

It should be noted that although various embodiments described hereinhave been provided in the context of certain frequencies, e.g., BUCoutput in the C, Ka, or Ku bands and IDUs operative in the L band (e.g.,950 MHZ to 2 GHZ range), other embodiments contemplate the ability to beadapted for use with other bands/frequencies. Moreover, and althoughvarious embodiments have been described in the context of indoor andoutdoor cable/Internet satellite units, various embodiments areapplicable to any system(s)s, including wireless communications systememploying, e.g., a modem and radio unit separated by some medium overwhich loss can occur. Further still, power detection can be implementednot only in an installation tool (which avoids the need to alter/upgraderadio equipment and provides mobility), power detection can beimplemented in radio equipment or other appropriate location/module. Itshould further be noted that the power detector described herein may becalibrated and immune to temperature variations, which in combinationwith the IDUs/modem being factory-calibrated, results in accurate cableloss measurements.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system 100 upon which example embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure can be implemented. Computer system100 can include a bus 102 or other communication mechanism forcommunicating information, and a processor 104 coupled to bus 102 forprocessing information. Computer system 100 may also include main memory106, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storagedevice, coupled to bus 102 for storing information and instructions tobe executed by processor 104. Main memory 106 can also be used forstoring temporary variables or other intermediate information duringexecution of instructions to be executed by processor 104. Computersystem 100 may further include a read only memory (ROM) 108 or otherstatic storage device coupled to bus 102 for storing static informationand instructions for processor 104. A storage device 110, such as amagnetic disk or optical disk, may additionally be coupled to bus 102for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 100 can be coupled via bus 102 to a display 112, such asa cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), active matrixdisplay, light emitting diode (LED)/organic LED (OLED) display, digitallight processing (DLP) display, or plasma display, for displayinginformation to a computer user. An input device 114, such as a keyboardincluding alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to bus 102 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor 104.Another type of user input device is cursor control 116, such as amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to processor 104 and for controllingcursor movement on display 112.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, automatic satelliteterminal ranging, in accordance with example embodiments, are providedby computer system 100 in response to processor 104 executing anarrangement of instructions contained in main memory 106. Suchinstructions can be read into main memory 106 from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as storage device 110. Execution of thearrangement of instructions contained in main memory 106 causesprocessor 104 to perform one or more processes described herein. One ormore processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employedto execute the instructions contained in main memory 106. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry is used in place of or in combinationwith software instructions to implement various embodiments. Thus,embodiments described in the present disclosure are not limited to anyspecific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Computer system 100 may also include a communication interface 118coupled to bus 102. Communication interface 118 can provide a two-waydata communication coupling to a network link 120 connected to a localnetwork 122. By way of example, communication interface 118 may be adigital subscriber line (DSL) card or modem, an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, or a telephone modem toprovide a data communication connection to a corresponding type oftelephone line. As another example, communication interface 118 may be alocal area network (LAN) card (e.g. for Ethernet™ or an AsynchronousTransfer Model (ATM) network) to provide a data communication connectionto a compatible LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any suchimplementation, communication interface 118 sends and receiveselectrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital datastreams representing various types of information. Further,communication interface 118 may include peripheral interface devices,such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA (PersonalComputer Memory Card International Association) interface, etc.

Network link 120 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. By way of example, network link 120can provide a connection through local network 122 to a host computer124, which has connectivity to a network 126 (e.g. a wide area network(WAN) or the global packet data communication network now commonlyreferred to as the “Internet”) or to data equipment operated by serviceprovider. Local network 122 and network 126 may both use electrical,electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey information andinstructions. The signals through the various networks and the signalson network link 120 and through communication interface 118, whichcommunicate digital data with computer system 100, are example forms ofcarrier waves bearing the information and instructions.

Computer system 100 may send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link 120, andcommunication interface 118. In the Internet example, a server (notshown) might transmit requested code belonging to an application programfor implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure through network126, local network 122 and communication interface 118. Processor 104executes the transmitted code while being received and/or store the codein storage device 110, or other non-volatile storage for laterexecution. In this manner, computer system 100 obtains application codein the form of a carrier wave.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor 104 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, suchas storage device 110. Volatile media may include dynamic memory, suchas main memory 106. Transmission media may include coaxial cables,copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 102.Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, orelectromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency(RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD ROM,CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, opticalmark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or otheroptically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH EPROM,any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providinginstructions to a processor for execution. By way of example, theinstructions for carrying out at least part of the present disclosuremay initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In sucha scenario, the remote computer loads the instructions into main memoryand sends the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modemof a local computer system receives the data on the telephone line anduses an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signaland transmit the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such asa personal digital assistance (PDA) and a laptop. An infrared detectoron the portable computing device receives the information andinstructions borne by the infrared signal and places the data on a bus.The bus conveys the data to main memory, from which a processorretrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received bymain memory may optionally be stored on storage device either before orafter execution by processor.

FIG. 6 illustrates a chip set 130 in which embodiments of the disclosuremay be implemented. Chip set 130 can include, for instance, processorand memory components described with respect to FIG. 6 incorporated inone or more physical packages. By way of example, a physical packageincludes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/orwires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one ormore characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size,and/or limitation of electrical interaction.

In one embodiment, chip set 130 includes a communication mechanism suchas a bus 132 for passing information among the components of the chipset 130. A processor 134 has connectivity to bus 132 to executeinstructions and process information stored in a memory 136. Processor134 includes one or more processing cores with each core configured toperform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessingwithin a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processorinclude two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores.Alternatively or in addition, processor 134 includes one or moremicroprocessors configured in tandem via bus 132 to enable independentexecution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. Processor 134may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components toperform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or moredigital signal processors (DSP) 138, and/or one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 140. DSP 138 cantypically be configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) inreal time independently of processor 134. Similarly, ASIC 140 can beconfigured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by ageneral purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid inperforming the inventive functions described herein include one or morefield programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or morecontrollers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computerchips.

Processor 134 and accompanying components have connectivity to thememory 136 via bus 132. Memory 136 includes both dynamic memory (e.g.,RAM) and static memory (e.g., ROM) for storing executable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 134, DSP 138, and/or ASIC 610, performthe process of example embodiments as described herein. Memory 136 alsostores the data associated with or generated by the execution of theprocess.

As used herein, the term module might describe a given unit offunctionality that can be performed in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present application. As used herein, a module mightbe implemented utilizing any form of hardware, software, or acombination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers,ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routinesor other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a module. Inimplementation, the various modules described herein might beimplemented as discrete modules or the functions and features describedcan be shared in part or in total among one or more modules. In otherwords, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this description, the various features and functionalitydescribed herein may be implemented in any given application and can beimplemented in one or more separate or shared modules in variouscombinations and permutations. Even though various features or elementsof functionality may be individually described or claimed as separatemodules, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thesefeatures and functionality can be shared among one or more commonsoftware and hardware elements, and such description shall not requireor imply that separate hardware or software components are used toimplement such features or functionality.

Where components or modules of the application are implemented in wholeor in part using software, in one embodiment, these software elementscan be implemented to operate with a computing or processing modulecapable of carrying out the functionality described with respectthereto. One such example computing module is shown in FIG. 5. Variousembodiments are described in terms of this example—computing module 100.After reading this description, it will become apparent to a personskilled in the relevant art how to implement the application using othercomputing modules or architectures.

Although described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments andimplementations, it should be understood that the various features,aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individualembodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particularembodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied,alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the present application, whether or not such embodimentsare described and whether or not such features are presented as being apart of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of thepresent application should not be limited by any of the above-describedexemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in the present application, and variationsthereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as openended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term“including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” orthe like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances ofthe item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; theterms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one ormore” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,”“normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not beconstrued as limiting the item described to a given time period or to anitem available as of a given time, but instead should be read toencompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologiesthat may be available or known now or at any time in the future.Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would beapparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologiesencompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at anytime in the future.

The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components orfunctionality described or claimed as part of the module are allconfigured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the variouscomponents of a module, whether control logic or other components, canbe combined in a single package or separately maintained and can furtherbe distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiplelocations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

1. A method, comprising: detecting output power from a first unit over acommunications link at a termination point of the communications link;comparing the output power from the first unit at the termination pointof the communications link to an expected output power from the firstunit; and adjusting a power level of the first unit such that a secondunit connected to the first unit at the termination point of thecommunications link operates below the second unit's saturation level.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first unit comprises an indoorunit of a very small aperture terminal (VSAT).
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the second unit comprises a block upconverter of an outdoorunit.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the communications linkcomprises an interfacility link (IFL) cable.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the detection of the output power occurs upon receiving a radiofrequency (RF) signal.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprisingconverting the detected output power to voltage data.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising digitizing the voltage data and providingthe digitized voltage data to the first unit.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the adjustment of the power level is based upon a delta valuecalculated by subtracting the detected output power from the expectedoutput power.
 9. A power detector for detecting the output power of asatellite indoor unit connected to a satellite outdoor unit by a cable,comprising: a filter for substantially isolating radio frequency (RF)signals transmitted from the satellite indoor unit to the satelliteoutdoor unit at a termination point of the cable that connects the cableto the satellite outdoor unit; an RF detector configured to detect theRF signals; and a microcontroller, the microcontroller including ananalog to digital converter (ADC) module for converting the detected RFsignals into voltage data, the microcontroller further storing thevoltage data and transmitting the voltage data to the satellite indoorunit for adjustment of the satellite indoor unit output power to avoidcompression at the satellite outdoor unit.
 10. The power detector ofclaim 9, wherein the filter comprises a high pass filter.
 11. The powerdetector of claim 10, wherein the microcontroller transmits the voltagedata via a digital satellite equipment control (DISEqC) interface. 12.The power detector of claim 9, wherein the RF signals comprise low powercontinuous wave tones transmitted at different frequencies covering a Lband frequency range.
 13. The power detector of claim 9, wherein thesatellite indoor unit comprises at least one of a set-top box receiverand a satellite Internet modem.
 14. The power detector of claim 9,wherein the satellite outdoor unit comprises a block upconverter.
 15. Adevice, comprising: a first interface comprising an input connected to acable, wherein the cable comprises a first end connected to a satelliteindoor unit and a second end connected to the input of the firstinterface; a second interface, comprising: an input connected to anoutput of the first interface; and an output connected to a satelliteoutdoor unit; a power detector for measuring transmit power loss ofsignals transmitted by the satellite indoor unit along the first end ofthe cable to the second end of the cable; a microcontroller for storingdata regarding the measured power loss; and a third interface throughwhich the data regarding the measured power loss is transmitted to amodem of the indoor unit.
 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the firstinterface comprises a receive interfacility (IFL) module and wherein thesecond interface comprises a low noise block (LNB) IFL module. 17.(canceled)
 18. The device of claim 15, wherein power detector detectspower associated with radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted from thefirst interface to the second interface.
 19. The device of claim 18,wherein the RF signals comprise low power continuous wave tonestransmitted across a range of frequencies.
 20. The device of claim 15,wherein the third interface comprises a digital satellite equipmentcontrol (DISEqC) interface.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein thedevice is a digital satellite equipment control (DiSEqC) antennapointing tool.
 22. A system, comprising: a satellite indoor unitcomprising an output; a satellite outdoor unit comprising an input, ablock upconverter (BUC), and an antenna dish; a cable connecting theoutput of the satellite indoor unit to the input of the satelliteoutdoor unit; and a power detector for detecting the output power of thesatellite indoor unit at the input of the satellite outdoor unit, thepower detector comprising: a filter for substantially isolating radiofrequency (RF) signals transmitted from the satellite indoor unit to thesatellite outdoor unit at the input of the satellite outdoor unit; an RFdetector configured to detect the RF signals; and a microcontroller, themicrocontroller including an analog to digital converter (ADC) modulefor converting the detected RF signals into voltage data, themicrocontroller further storing the voltage data and transmitting thevoltage data to the satellite indoor unit for adjustment of thesatellite indoor unit output power to avoid saturation at the BUC of thesatellite outdoor unit.
 23. The system of claim 22, further comprisingan antenna pointing tool, wherein the antenna pointing tool comprises:the power detector; a receive interfacility (IFL) module; and a lownoise block (LNB) IFL module.